Break up Pea Soup

This soup could be easy, however wow, is it scrumptious! Break up pea soup has been a New England favourite for ages, made with dried cut up peas and both a ham hock or some leftover ham. You’ll be able to mix it up for a clean, creamy texture or depart it chunky with hearty bits of veggies and ham. It’s a humble soup, however it’s straightforward to make and budget-friendly.

Serve it up with Rustic Garlic Parmesan Herb Bread or Garlic Parmesan Herb Dinner Rolls.

Why Our Recipe

Wealthy and smoky goodness: Ham hocks convey meaty taste to each spoonful.
Straightforward, one-pot meal: Toss all of it in, let it simmer, and also you’re golden.
Texture Choices: Mix it till it’s clean and creamy or hold it chunky.

Shot of Split Pea Soup in pot with ladle full.

Break up pea soup is constituted of dried cut up peas which is how the soup will get its title. However what in regards to the cut up peas? That comes from the method used to protect them. They’re peeled, dried, and cut up. The colour of cut up pea soup varies between yellow and inexperienced, relying on the number of cut up peas used.

Ingredient Notes

Salted Butter: If you happen to solely have unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.
Onion: Use a white or yellow onion. Cube it into small items.
Carrots: Child carrots work too, simply reduce them into smaller items for even cooking.
Break up Peas: Break up peas are a dried pea that may be discovered bagged, within the dry meals part of your grocery store. They need to be situated someplace close to the dried beans and lentils.
Hen Broth: Utilizing a low-sodium possibility lets you greatest management the flavour—it’s a fantastic chef tip.
Ham Hocks: If you happen to can’t discover ham hocks, you should use a ham bone as a substitute. Or, to make issues straightforward, may use diced ham. Merely add within the diced ham after pureeing your soup.

Utilizing Dried Break up Peas

Break up peas, like lentils, don’t must be soaked earlier than cooking. Beans require soaking previous to cooking, however as a result of these are peas they can be utilized instantly within the recipe. It’s nonetheless a good suggestion to rinse your peas completely earlier than cooking to take away any dust particles and select something that’s shriveled.

Ham Hocks and Choices

This recipe makes use of ham hocks. They’re low-cost and what retains this soup humble. Throwing them in your soup is tremendous straightforward and brings plenty of taste with a little bit little bit of meat. You’re principally making your personal ham inventory!

You’ll be able to use diced ham as a substitute if you happen to can’t discover ham hocks or don’t wish to use them. This may be leftover ham or you should purchase diced ham. Merely add it in after pureeing your soup. Return the soup to a simmer to permit the ham to warmth via.

If you happen to’d prefer to get two meals in a single, you may also use the ham bone the day after you’ve had a scrumptious ham dinner. Strip the ham off the bone and save for garnish.

Shot of Split Pea Soup in bowl with spoon full.

Chunky vs Clean

Historically, this soup is served as a clean purée, however we love a little bit added texture. Simply skip the final step the place you pour it into the blender and also you’ve nonetheless received the smoothness of the bottom however with these yummy vegetable chunks and items of salty, savory ham.

Storage and Reheating Directions

Refrigerate leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 4 days.

Freeze the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, leaving area on the high for enlargement. Freeze for as much as 3 months. Thaw within the fridge in a single day.

Reheat on the range over medium-low warmth till warmed via.

Reheat within the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between every for even heating.